Altitude Minerals confirms high-priority drill targets and secures permits for a 2,600m reverse circulation program at its 100% owned Firenze silver-gold epithermal project in Nevada, targeting a promising 1.2km structural corridor.
- High-grade surface rock chips up to 1,825 g/t silver and 43.9 g/t gold
- Drill permits secured from the Bureau of Land Management
- 2,600m RC drill program planned to test depths up to 250m
- Targets defined along a 1.2km NW–SE structural corridor
- Nevada ranked top global mining jurisdiction by Fraser Institute
Drill-Ready Firenze Project Targets High-Grade Epithermal Mineralisation
Altitude Minerals Ltd (ASX:ATT) has laid the groundwork for a significant exploration push at its 100% owned Firenze silver-gold project in Nevada, USA, confirming high-priority drill targets and securing all necessary permits from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The company plans a 2,600m reverse circulation (RC) drill campaign targeting multiple depths down to 250m along a 1.2km NW–SE structural corridor, aiming to test an undrilled low-sulphidation epithermal system with compelling surface results.
Historical surface rock chip samples boast impressive grades, including 1,825 g/t silver with 22.5 g/t gold, 534 g/t silver with 43.9 g/t gold, and 1,250 g/t silver with 9.3 g/t gold. These bonanza-grade assays underpin Altitude’s interpretation of a preserved boiling zone beneath the surface, a critical target horizon for high-grade gold mineralisation in epithermal systems.
Geophysical Surveys and Structural Mapping Define Targets
The targeting process involved comprehensive geophysical surveys, including Controlled Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) and drone magnetics, combined with detailed structural and alteration mapping led by Altitude’s Nevada-based Principal Geologist Gabe Graf. The CSAMT survey delineated a major flower structure along the main fault corridor, highlighting resistivity boundaries and low-resistivity zones interpreted as fracture alteration networks. Drone magnetics further corroborated these findings by revealing hydrothermal alteration signatures.
These datasets have been integrated into a 3D geological model to guide the drill program. The structural corridor targeted for drilling is analogous to nearby prolific epithermal systems such as the Midas Mine, where Graf previously contributed to resource expansion using similar geophysical techniques. The project’s proximity to significant operations like the Paradise Peak Mine (1.6 Moz Au and 24.1 Moz Ag production) and Kinross Gold’s Round Mountain (over 20 Moz Au produced) underscores the district’s mineral potential.
Permitting Secured, Drilling Imminent
With drill permits approved and bonds lodged with the BLM, Altitude is poised to commence access track and drill pad preparations early May 2026. The company is currently finalising drill contracts, with rig availability and contract negotiations being the final steps before mobilising the drill rig. The planned nine-hole program will test both near-surface mineralisation and deeper structures to confirm the presence of the boiling zone where precious metals concentrate.
Altitude’s approach reflects a disciplined strategy of rapid target validation and drill readiness, a methodology seen across its portfolio including the recent progress at its Byrock copper-gold porphyry targets in New South Wales, where geophysical surveys have similarly refined drill plans ahead of follow-up campaigns Byrock porphyry targets with new geophysical surveys. This operational momentum positions Altitude to unlock value from high-quality discoveries in top-tier jurisdictions.
Exploration Potential and Next Steps
The Firenze Project’s setting in Nevada’s Basin and Range region, ranked #1 globally for mining investment by the Fraser Institute, offers a rare opportunity to explore a high-grade silver-gold epithermal system with no prior drilling. The company’s extensive surface sampling and geophysical data suggest the current erosional level sits above the primary mineral deposition zone, strengthening the case for deeper drilling.
Following the initial RC program, Altitude plans to evaluate results for potential follow-up drilling, including diamond core holes to better understand mineralisation controls and continuity. The project’s royalty structure includes a 3% payment to Orogen Royalties Inc, with a 1% buy-down option, reflecting standard terms for such acquisitions.
Bottom Line?
Altitude Minerals’ imminent drill campaign at Firenze will be a critical test of the project’s high-grade epithermal potential, with results likely to shape its exploration trajectory in a top global mining jurisdiction.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drill results confirm the presence of a high-grade boiling zone at depth?
- How will contract negotiations and rig availability influence the timing of drilling?
- What follow-up exploration strategies will Altitude pursue if the initial drill program is successful?